Watching complete science fiction movies in class might seem an inefficient use of time. But it can equip students for the future in ways few other approaches can.
Thank you for insightful posts. Sci fi movies in low stress learning enviroment with focus on posing questions and questioning the ready meal scenarious are so impactful!
It may seem counterintuitive, but I would recommend Casablanca. Right now, we have new technologies come on line and those in the fear business jump in with warnings and things go awry. Rick assumed the worst when Ilsi didn't show up for the train in Paris He hated her and let her know it when she came into his Cafe. He didn't want to listen to her explain but when she did, everything changed. The lesson is to wait for a sufficient amount of evidence before judgment. It works in science and in love.
Makes perfect sense! This is where the sophistication of the course comes in which isn't obvious - creating a structure and narrative around movies that opens up ideas and conversations. And for conversations around tech, society and the future it's amazing what can be used to catalyze this if you flex your imagination
In class every time! This is the counterintuitive bit, but we find that in-class is time much better spent, especially as setting an out of class assignment to watch a movie means that students probably won't do it, and if they do, they'll miss most of the value of engaging something that was meant to be watched with others
just under three hours - which makes things interesting when we watch long movies. But this still gives us time for quality framing and discussion - surprisingly! Of course, this is strongly augmented by out of class assignments
Just saved your syllabi to watch later , thanks!
I love everything about this. I already downloaded the syllabus and I promise I'll do everything in my power to replicate this class at my alma mater.
Go for it!
Thank you for insightful posts. Sci fi movies in low stress learning enviroment with focus on posing questions and questioning the ready meal scenarious are so impactful!
It may seem counterintuitive, but I would recommend Casablanca. Right now, we have new technologies come on line and those in the fear business jump in with warnings and things go awry. Rick assumed the worst when Ilsi didn't show up for the train in Paris He hated her and let her know it when she came into his Cafe. He didn't want to listen to her explain but when she did, everything changed. The lesson is to wait for a sufficient amount of evidence before judgment. It works in science and in love.
Makes perfect sense! This is where the sophistication of the course comes in which isn't obvious - creating a structure and narrative around movies that opens up ideas and conversations. And for conversations around tech, society and the future it's amazing what can be used to catalyze this if you flex your imagination
How often do you have students watch the movies in classes, versus out of class?
In class every time! This is the counterintuitive bit, but we find that in-class is time much better spent, especially as setting an out of class assignment to watch a movie means that students probably won't do it, and if they do, they'll miss most of the value of engaging something that was meant to be watched with others
How long are your classes?
just under three hours - which makes things interesting when we watch long movies. But this still gives us time for quality framing and discussion - surprisingly! Of course, this is strongly augmented by out of class assignments
That class length should allow for some pre- and post-watching discussion.
Out of class assignments - on the LMS?
Yep - more details in the syllabus linked to from the article
Looks great! I like the way Man in the White Suit stands out, but fits in.
I came up with this syllabus a few years ago, and have always wanted to teach it: https://bryanalexander.org/teaching/essential-films-for-technology-and-the-future-101-a-syllabus/